Who We Are

Who We Are

Who we are is mostly defined by the independent, confident, determined girls who attend Perth College – but our teachers and staff also play a significant role in shaping them into remarkable young women.

Lead by example – a concept that can’t be understated. Our experienced, committed and passionate teachers help nurture independent, confident and determined girls. Our staff will always show our girls the way to be the best version of themselves.

Principal

Jenny Ethell

Our Principal encourages girls to strive for their personal best, to challenge themselves, to keep their feet firmly on the ground, and to remember they are privileged to attend Perth College. With this privilege comes a responsibility to help, serve others and make a difference in the community. Jenny’s aim is for each student to graduate Perth College with a strong sense of self, authenticity, confidence, determination, humility and kindness.

With a Bachelor of Business and Graduate Diploma in Education, and as a Member of the Australian College of Educators (MACE), Jenny joined Perth College as Principal in 2003. She has a background in teaching and senior leadership positions at government, independent and Catholic schools in Queensland, Victoria, Tasmania and Western Australia.

Jenny herself is a mother of four girls – two are Perth College graduates. Her country upbringing in Albany prepared her well for the first eight years of her career directly involved in boarding, and these factors have combined to grant Jenny a strong affiliation with Perth College’s boarders.

With a strong belief in life-long learning, Jenny has spent time studying at Harvard University and Melbourne University, and with the Institute of Company Directors. She is the WA representative of the executive of the Alliance of Girls’ Schools Australia and is a member of the legal and governance committee of the Association of Independent Schools Western Australia.

School Council

The School Council provides strategic direction for the future of Perth College and the appointment of the School Principal, Jenny Ethell. Its members include:

Chair

Andrea Burns
Andrea Burns is a journalist with more than 25 years’ experience. She has reported and presented TV news and current affairs, worked in radio and been a regular newspaper columnist. Andrea is currently the director of a boutique media consultancy working with corporate, government and not-for-profit organisations. She also teaches Broadcasting at Edith Cowan University. Andrea and her husband Andrew have one daughter attending Perth College and one who is a 2016 PC leaver.

Vice Chair and Treasurer

Ian Belton
Ian Belton is a Chartered Accountant and Managing Director of the Chrystal Group, which has a portfolio of businesses, including Australia’s largest commercial kitchen company and an international manufacturing and distribution operation. Ian currently holds the positions of Vice Chair and Treasurer on Council. He also sits on the Finance, Facilities, Succession Planning and Salary Review committees. Ian's daughter, Sophie, is a 2014 Perth College Leaver.

Nick Stanisis
Nick Stanisishas spent the majority of his professional career aligned with the investment property industry. Notably, in 1994 Nick launched NSC Corporate, an investment property consultancy that went on to become a leading commercial property company in WA. In 2007, NSC was acquired by the Chicago-based Jones Lang LaSalle; this created the largest commercial property consultancy in WA and Nick remained as Managing Director of the merged operations until 2010. He chairs the Facilities Committee and is a member of Finance Committee, and is also a Director of the Perth College Foundation.
Two of Nick’s children have attended Perth College; his eldest, Monica, is a 2013 Leaver while Audrey is a 2015 Leaver.

Dr Seonaid Mulroy
Dr Seonaid Mulroyis an Obstetrician, Gynaecologist and Ultrasound Specialist in private practice in Subiaco and Mount Lawley. She studied at the University of Western Australia, gaining a Bachelor of Science (Honours First Class) before obtaining a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (Honours). After she completed her postgraduate medical training, Seonaid became an Ultrasound Specialist, gaining the highest mark in Australia for this qualification. She has held various positions on industry committees, councils and boards, and has worked in Perth and regional Western Australia. Seonaid is currently involved in the training and mentoring of medical students and junior doctors.

Seonaid has re-joined Council as the representative of the Archbishop of Perth, after spending two years working in the South-West.

An Old Girl, St Michael Award winner and 1993 Head Girl, Seonaid is married to Matthew, and their two young daughters attend Perth College.

Dr Joan Squelch
Joan, who is originally from South Africa, immigrated to Perth with her husband Andrew in 2002. She is a Professor in the School of Law at the University of Notre Dame Australia (Fremantle). Joan has published widely in education and the law, and currently serves as a Commissioner for the Catholic Education Commission of Western Australia.

Vikki De Alwis
Vikki manages a team of health and safety professionals at Chevron Australia, and has held several positions in information technology in Perth and overseas. She holds a Masters in Business Administration with Distinction and a Bachelor of Commerce, and is currently completing a Masters in Occupational Health and Safety. Vikki is a member of the Oil and Gas Women’s Network.

An Old Girl of Perth College, Vikki served as the Student Representative Council President in her final year and is now a member of the Old Girls’ Association Committee. She joined the Perth College Council in 2013, representing Provincial Council. Vikki sits on the Risk Review Committee and is also a member of the Perth College Foundation Board. Her two daughters will be attending Perth College.

Brenda Hogg
Brenda is originally from New Zealand, where she completed her high school education at the end of Year 10. She immigrated to Australia in 1981 and began her tertiary study in 1991 as a mature-age student, completing a Business degree at Curtin University and then a Law degree at the University of Western Australia. Brenda is Principal of her own law practice in Perth. She previously worked as a senior executive in marketing, sales management and client service in both the retail and financial services sectors. Outside of her profession, Brenda is the Vice-Chairperson of HeadWest (Brain Injury Association of WA Inc) and also has a post-graduate qualification in Theology, which included learning to read and speak New Testament Greek. She continues to be actively involved in the ministry, mission and leadership of St Philip’s Anglican Church in Cottesloe.

Jonathan Burgess
Jonathan Burgesshas a three-decade career in town planning and urban design.
With a Bachelor of Arts (Urban and Regional Studies) and a Post-Graduate Diploma (Urban and Regional Planning) from Curtin University, Jon began consulting in the industry in 1986.
He is experienced in the conceptualisation, preparation and approval negotiation of planning and development applications for commercial buildings, urban and residential estates, shopping centres, and tourism, recreational and industrial projects. Jon's portfolio includes state and national award-winning projects.

After working for one of Australasia’s leading specialist town planning firms for 12 years, Jon commenced his own practice in 2001. He contributes to professional committees and industry bodies, lectures at Curtin University and mentors young graduates. Jon is a corporate member of the Urban Development Institute of Australia and the Planning Institute of Australia, and a member of The Executive Connection.

He has a passion for classic cars (being an active member of two car clubs) and keeps fit through his dedication to the martial art Tae Kwon Do.

Jon joined Council in 2015, sits on the Facilities Committee, and is the current representative for the Friends of Perth College and PC Fellas. He and his wife Tracey have a daughter, Brianna, who is in the Senior School

Geoff Mather
Geoff Matheris the Group Chief Financial Officer of the Royal Automobile Club of WA and its Subsidiary entities. A Certified Practicing Accountant, he also holds a Graduate Diploma in Finance and Investment and has completed the advanced management program at Harvard Business School. He is the recipient of a WA Business News ‘40 under 40’ award and is a graduate of Leadership WA. Geoff has been a Director of Amana Living, the Anglican Church’s retirement and aged care agency, and a member of the Board of All Saints’ College.

Dr Jane Scott
Jane Scott is Professor of Public Health Nutrition Research at Curtin University. A Perth College Old Girl (1971 to 1975), she was Vice Captain of Lawley House in her final year and also served as President of the Student Representative Council. After graduating, Jane trained as a nutritionist/dietitian at WAIT and went on to complete a Master of Public Health and a PhD in Nutritional Epidemiology at Curtin University. She has worked as a university academic for most of her career, first at Curtin University and then at the University of Glasgow and Flinders University in South Australia, before returning to a research position at Curtin University in 2013. Jane has served on a number of professional boards and committees and in 2013 was inducted as a Fellow of the Dietitians Association of Australia in recognition of her outstanding contribution to the profession. She joined the School Council in 2017 as the Old Girls’ Association representative.

Director of Finance and Administration

Tony Gooey
Tony Gooey has held the role of Director of Finance and Administration at Perth College since 2000. A Chartered Accountant, he holds a Bachelor of Commerce. Tony is a member of the Finance, Facilities and Risk Committees. He has two daughters who graduated from Perth College in 2012 and 2014.

Executive Team

The Executive team, which includes the Principal, Jenny Ethell, provides vital support in the daily operation of the School and leadership in the areas of staff, students and teaching and learning. Its members include:

Vice Principal
Lynda GigliaThe Deputy Principal – Staff is primarily involved in the educational leadership and overall management of the education staff, and ensures a supportive school environment and learning culture.

Head of Junior School
Jenny DouganThe Head of Junior School is responsible for the educational leadership, community development and day-to-day running of the Junior School (Kindergarten to Year 6), and provides input to whole school strategic planning.Director of Finance and Administration
Tony GooeyTony leads and manages the financial, governance and compliance functions of the School, and takes overall responsibility for facilities. He is also Secretary to the School Council and a member of the Perth College Foundation and Executive.Director of ICT
John GarnettThe Director of ICT is responsible for the management, installation, maintenance, accessibility and security of the School’s network, hardware and software, and manages the ICT team.Director of Community Development
Jo NitzJo leads the Community Development team to enhance Perth College’s reputation and build long-term relationships within the community.

Teachers

Students identify our teachers as one of the greatest benefits of attending the School.

Our teachers all share one mission: to nurture young girls to become smart, independent, confident young women with a strong work ethic, humility, and a desire to achieve their personal best.

Perth College is renowned for its teaching staff. They are leaders in their field through professional involvement in the trial and implementation of new courses of study and the Australian Curriculum. They actively participate and represent the School across committees at both state and national levels and undertake professional development within areas such as Special Needs; National Curriculum; Science and Ethics; Visual Literacy and Cyber Bullying. And don’t take our word for it; our own students describe the staff as compassionate and caring, and value the strong relationships they develop.